Owning a home is a dream come true for many, but once you’ve stepped through the door of your new place, you may realize that some work needs to be done. Whether you're looking to update an old kitchen, make your bathroom feel more luxurious and modern, or simply make the space your own, home renovations can be a fulfilling project. However, if you're new to the process, it can also feel overwhelming.
In this beginner's guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about home renovations — from planning and budgeting to executing your vision with the help of professionals like us. Whether you're renovating your new home or just thinking about it, this guide will help you get started.
1. Understanding Your Renovation Goals
Before jumping into the renovation process, take a moment to assess what exactly you want to achieve. This will help you stay focused and set realistic goals for your project.
Assess Your Needs vs. Wants: Identify which aspects of your home are functional but need improvement, and which ones are simply for aesthetic appeal. For example, fixing a leaky roof is a priority, but upgrading countertops might be something you can wait to do.
Set Priorities: Once you’ve assessed the space, make a list of your top priorities. Are you renovating to increase your home’s value? Do you need more space or simply want to make the space more comfortable for you? Understanding your motivations will help guide your decisions as the project unfolds.
Set Realistic Expectations: Renovations take time, effort, and often more money than initially anticipated. Be prepared for challenges, delays, and unexpected surprises. If you go into it with a flexible mindset, you’ll find the process a lot less stressful.
2. Creating a Budget
A realistic budget is essential to ensure you don’t overspend or end up with unfinished projects.
Set a Renovation Budget: Start by determining how much you’re willing to spend on the project. Consider how much money you can afford to put toward renovations without stretching your finances too thin. Completing a simple Google search, with simple key words may result in average renovation costs that are incorrect. Every renovation project is different and factors such as location, availability of labor, material cost, and other variables will drive the cost up or down.
Allow for Surprises: It’s always a good idea to set aside a contingency fund — usually about 15-25% of your budget — to handle unexpected issues that may come up (e.g., structural problems, hidden water damage, plumbing lines, electrical, or other utilities that are hidden behind walls and cannot be seen until you start demolition), these are just a few examples.
Find Ways to Save: There are several ways to save money on your renovations without sacrificing quality. Look for sales on materials, explore second-hand options (like vintage fixtures), or even take on smaller DIY tasks, such as painting, to reduce labor costs.
3. Planning Your Renovation
Once you’ve settled on your goals and budget, it’s time to start planning your renovation in more detail.
Define the Scope of Your Project: How big will your renovation be? Will it involve just one room or multiple areas of the house? The scale of your project will determine how much time, money, and effort you need to put in. Make sure you have a clear idea of what changes you want to make before proceeding.
Seek Design Inspiration: There’s no shortage of design inspiration online, from platforms like Pinterest and Instagram to home design blogs. Start by gathering ideas and narrowing down your style. Whether you prefer a minimalist aesthetic or something more traditional, having a clear vision will guide your renovation decisions.
Create a Timeline: Realistic timelines are key to staying on track. Factor in the time it takes to source materials, apply for permits (if needed), and hire professionals. Don’t forget to allow for delays or waiting periods — home renovations rarely go exactly as planned, we at Carolinas Remodeling try to foresee unexpected issues and will bring them up to the client.
4. Hiring Contractors vs. DIY
One of the big decisions in a renovation project is whether to hire professionals or handle some of the work yourself.
When to DIY: If you have the skills and time, some tasks are simple enough to tackle on your own. Painting walls, landscaping, and even installing some light fixtures can often be done without professional help. However, make sure you’re not getting in over your head. Take on only what you feel confident doing.
Hiring Professionals: For more complicated jobs — like electrical work, plumbing, or structural changes — it’s crucial to hire licensed contractors. Doing these jobs incorrectly can not only delay the project but also cause costly damage and may be unsafe.
Choosing the Right Contractors: Take time to research contractors, get multiple quotes, and check references. Look for contractors with experience in the specific work you need done. Reading online reviews and asking for referrals from family or friends can help you find trustworthy professionals.
5. Navigating Permits and Regulations
Depending on the scope of your renovation, you may need to apply for permits before starting work.
The Importance of Permits: Many renovations, especially those that involve large electrical scopes, plumbing relocations, or structural changes, require permits to ensure the work is done safely and legally. Skipping this step can lead to fines or even having to undo the work. Every renovation project is different so please reach out to us and we can help you navigate this important area.
6. Choosing Materials and Products
Choosing the right materials can significantly impact the look, feel, and durability of your renovation.
Balancing Quality and Cost: High-quality materials can be expensive, but they can also offer long-term value. When selecting materials, consider the balance between quality and budget. For example, it may be worth investing in durable countertops or flooring while opting for less expensive paint or fixtures. Countertop stones for bathroom vanities and kitchens also vary in prices with Quartz being more expensive than Granite countertops.
Timeless Designs: While trends can be fun to follow, always consider investing in materials and design elements that will stand the test of time. This approach ensures you won’t feel the need to renovate again in a few years.
7. Dealing with the Disruption
Renovations can be disruptive to your daily life, so it’s important to plan for the inconvenience.
Temporary Living Arrangements: If your renovation involves significant work, you may want to temporarily relocate. Staying with family or renting a short-term apartment might be a good option if work is being done in major areas of the home.
Minimizing the Mess: Carolina's Renovation Experts will help with this area by using HEPA air-filtration systems and plastic covers to minimize dust migration to other areas of the house. At the end of every work day we clean up the area and try to keep the construction neat and organized.
For the most part kitchen and bathroom renovations can be completed while the homeowner is still residing at the property. Call us so we can provide you with a timeline for the remodeling work.
8. The Final Touches
Once the bulk of your renovation is complete, it’s time for the fun part: the finishing touches.
Final Walkthrough: Conduct a final walkthrough with your contractor to ensure that everything is completed to your satisfaction. Check for any issues or areas that need touch-ups before signing off on the project. Once the final punch list is completed the final payment is due to the contractor, congratulations you have made it and can now enjoy your beautiful space.
Conclusion
Home renovations can be one of the most rewarding parts of owning a house. With careful planning, budgeting, and hiring the right professionals, you can transform your space into the home of your dreams. Just remember to stay patient, stay flexible, and enjoy the process.
Please reach out to us and we would be happy to visit your home and provide you a quote for the proposed improvements.
Gonzalo Trenosky
Carolinas Renovation Experts